The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of ₦653.9 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies concealed in luggage at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The Area Controller of the Command, Mr Dalhatu Abubakar, disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano while officially handing over the seized currencies and three suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The arrest followed a currency declaration awareness campaign jointly conducted by the Customs, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on April 26, 2025, in Kano.
According to Abubakar, the seizure occurred on Monday at about 12:15 p.m. after Customs officers, acting on intelligence, intercepted one Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian passport holder, who arrived from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopian Airlines.
“The suspect was arrested by our vigilant officers after he failed to declare the large sums of foreign currencies in his possession,” Abubakar said.
The seized currencies include:
- $420,900 (US dollars)
- 3,946,500 XOF (West African CFA francs)
- 224,000 XAF (Central African CFA francs)
- €5,825 (Euros)
The total value of the seized currencies was estimated at ₦653,987,268.50.
Abubakar explained that under Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 55(f) of the NCS Act, 2023, any traveller carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare such amounts to the Nigeria Customs Service upon arrival or departure.
“The currency declaration regime is part of a holistic approach to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. It is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the Nigerian financial system and curbing the flow of funds to criminal networks, terrorists, bandits, and drug traffickers,” he stated.
He added that the command collaborated with the EFCC throughout the investigation and arrest process.
In his remarks, the EFCC Zonal Director in Kano, Mr Ibrahim Shazali, confirmed that the operation was conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.
“The seizure aligns with the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2022, and the Customs Act, 2023, both of which provide stringent guidelines for the cross-border movement of large sums of money,” Shazali said.
He urged stakeholders within the aviation sector, bureaux de change (BDCs), and financial institutions to maintain vigilance and promptly report suspicious movements involving large volumes of cash.
“The EFCC remains committed to its mandate and will continue to work with partner agencies to stem the tide of illicit financial flows and protect Nigeria’s economic interests,” he added.
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